How Rangers transfer developments with 'unbelievable' Emmanuel Fernandez are paying off
Rangers deserve credit for keeping Emmanuel Fernandez in the summer transfer window.
After impressive performances in the second half of last season, plenty of speculation surrounded the Nigeria international's future.
The Gers centre-back was linked with top teams across Europe, but ended up staying in G51.
Fernandez had a slow start under Derek McInnes, but has returned to his best at Ibrox in recent matches.
Against Celtic, the 24-year-old defender hardly put a foot wrong in the two dominant Old Firm derby victories.
While the Govan side spent around £35million on 14 signings in the summer, one of their most important decisions was arguably holding on to the former Peterborough star.
What Emmanuel Fernandez brings to Rangers team
Rangers could sell Fernandez for a hefty profit in the coming years after agreeing to a £3.5m deal, including add-ons, in the summer of 2025.
Kirk Broadfoot believes the Light Blues have a player in the Nigerian ace that everyone looks for in their team.
The former Gers defender has hailed the Ibrox hierarchy's decision not to sell the promising centre-back ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
What the ex-Peterborough star possesses are qualities that help him dictate what he wants to do in games.
Speaking to the media during Tennent's Sixes, Broadfoot said, "I think a big one was keeping big Fernandez, keeping him here. He looks like an unbelievable player.
"I just think he's an all-round athlete. He's good on the ball. He's very good in the air. He's confident. He can probably do what he wants in the game, to be honest.
"He is the type of player that people look for. An athlete, big, good on the ball, good in the air."
The massive transfer dilemma Ibrox hierarchy will face next summer
Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya have formed a brilliant partnership at the back under McInnes.
The two defenders have been the mainstays in the Scottish manager's plans at Ibrox, with the Gers keeping five clean sheets in their last six matches.
Makhanya seems to complement the Nigeria international's attributes at the Light Blues and has brought stability to the team.
If the Glaswegian outfit's duo continue to perform at a high level, it wouldn't be surprising to see major clubs from the top five leagues compete for their signatures soon.
The Govan side may receive convincing offers for Fernandez and the South African ace next summer, and will have to decide whether they can afford to lose both in one window.